The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Newbus Grange

Hurworth Road, Neasham, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 1PE (01325) 721951

Provided and run by:
Castlebeck Care (Teesdale) Limited

Important: The provider of this service changed. See new profile

All Inspections

16 July 2013

During an inspection looking at part of the service

On our previous visit to Newbus Grange on 20th and 21st May 2013 we found that patients were not protected against the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care and treatment by a lack of accurate and up-to-date records about them. On this visit we saw that care files had been reviewed and updated so they reflected the care and support needs of patients and how these were to be delivered. One of the clinical nurse managers said they felt much happier now they had worked on care records and said 'We didn't realise how much of a mess they had got into'.

We also saw there were two new members of nursing staff and further healthcare support staff had been employed since our last visit.

20, 21 May 2013

During a routine inspection

Staff members on duty were observed speaking to patients in a kind and respectful way. We watched staff support patients in outdoor activities in the garden and undertaking puzzles and games in the the garden and undertaking puzzles and games in the lounges.

Members of staff told us that due to staff shortages the hospital was using agency staff and overtime but the service was still able to introduce more community access for patients and they had introduced less restrictive practices such as flexible mealtimes and access to drinks. Staff also told us patients were integrating with each other more and we were told and saw from records that levels of incidents and physical intervention had decreased significantly since October 2012. We also saw that nine new members of staff were due to start work at the beginning of June.

We found new care plans in place were very detailed and difficult to follow. There were a number of documents in the care records to aid patient involvement and participation in care planning but none of these we looked at were fully completed and there was no evidence that the information in them was used in the care plans. Risk assessment and management plans were not fully completed.

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The service had a programme in place to ensure staff members received appropriate supervision and training.

7 March 2013

During an inspection in response to concerns

We visited the service after we received concerning information regarding the lack of laundry facilities at the service and poor cleanliness. We spoke with the interim service manager and two members of housekeeping staff. We inspected the laundry room and communal areas within the home and checked records. We found that there had been issues with laundry facilities but this had been rectified when parts for the appliance had been received. We did receive some feedback that weekend support for housekeeping had been 'very difficult'. We saw that three staff had been appointed to start with the ancillary team on April 1st 2013.

15 May 2012

During a routine inspection

The people who lived at Newbus Grange had complex communications needs. It was therefore difficult to find out what people thought about the service through conversation. However, we spent time talking to staff and observing how they interacted with the people that used services.

On the day of out visit there were 17 people who used services staying at Newbus Grange. In order to effectively meet their needs those people were divided into four smaller groups, depending upon their level of ability. We saw that each group had a highly structured day with a range of activities. We saw people who used services enjoy the music and movement room, take part activities to help them improve their independent living skills, such as making a cup of tea with staff support. We saw one person use their own sensory chair independently, an activity they clearly enjoyed.

There were a high number of staff on duty. Some of the people who used services, because of their complex needs, required 2:1 staff support. We saw that this was provided.

There was a good rapport between the staff on duty and the people who used services. We saw that they knew how best to respond to the communication and sensory needs of the people in their care.

6 June 2011

During a routine inspection

The people who lived at Newbus Grange had complex communications needs. It was therefore difficult to find out what people thought about the service through conversation. However, we spent time talking to staff and observing how they interacted with the people that used services.

On the day of out visit there were 17 people who used services staying at Newbus Grange. In order to effectively meet their needs those people were divided into four smaller groups. We saw that each group had a highly structured day with a range of activities. We saw people who used services enjoy relaxing in the sensory room, take part in baking sessions and activities to help them improve their independent living skills, such as making a cup of tea with staff support. We saw people enjoy going for walks in the extensive well maintained gardens, use the swing, and one person use their own sensory chair independently, an activity they clearly enjoyed.

There were a high number of staff on duty. Some of the people who used services, because of their complex needs, required 2:1 staff support. We saw that this was provided.

There was a good rapport between the staff on duty and the people who used services. We saw that they knew how best to respond to the communication and sensory needs of the people in their care.

Mental Health Act Commissioner reports

Each year, we visit all NHS trusts and independent providers who care for people whose rights are restricted under the Mental Health Act to monitor the care they provide and check that patients' rights are met. Immediate concerns raised by patients on those visits are discussed, if appropriate, with hospital staff.

Our Mental Health Act Commissioners may carry out a number of visits to each provider over a 12-month period, during which they talk to detained patients, staff and managers about how services are provided. In the past, we summarised themes from the visits and published an annual statement followed by the provider's response where applicable. We are looking at different ways to indicate the outcomes of our monitoring in the future.